With many high-wage positions requiring specially trained workers, Snow said Hoosiers can skill up for free with a Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant, which covers tuition costs for those earning a high-value certificate from Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University, according to a news release. Since launching in 2017, more than 50,000 Hoosiers have enrolled to complete a high-demand certificate program through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant.
“Companies across the state are ready to hire in high-wage, high-skill positions, and Next Level Jobs can help Hoosiers fill those openings,” Snow said. “Whether you’re looking to start new career or jumping into the workforce for the first time, resources are available to take the first step and make that vision a reality.”
According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, those who earn a Workforce Ready Grant certificate see an annual median wage increase of $6,800.
Snow said the program is designed so that participants can continue to work while earning a certificate in 1 of 5 in-demand job fields, including health and life sciences, IT and business services, building and construction, transportation and logistics and advanced manufacturing. To learn more about Workforce Ready Grants, visit NextLevelJobs.org.
Snow said to connect to a career in a fast-growing field today, Hoosiers also can visit the website IndianaCareerReady.com/INDemandJobs.
This website helps job seekers easily explore industries experiencing significant growth, both in the number of hires and in rising wages. High-demand jobs in Indiana include nurses, accountants, computer systems analysts, construction managers, electricians, plumbers and software developers. The web portal offers a sortable list displaying the educational requirements, average salary, job postings and training opportunities for each occupation.
